In many cases, students will be required to obtain a visa or residence permit to study abroad. These documents permit you to enter a country and legally stay for the duration of your study abroad program.
The length of your visit, the purpose of your stay, and the country you are visiting will determine if you need a visa and the type of visa you will obtain.
You should visit your host country's consulate or embassy website to determine if you need a visa and to identify the steps you need to take to secure a visa.
It is each student's individual responsibility to understand and complete the process for obtaining a visa for their host country. GEO advisors are happy to make recommendations, but you should always refer to you host country's consulate website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Draven, USAC: Verona, Spring 2023
For additional information, please review our Visa Workshop Presentation.
To ensure you understand the processes necessary to obtain your own visa, review the Visa Questionnaire
Spain
Quick Facts:
- You will likely need a student visa to study in Spain for over 90 days!
- The closest consulate for New Mexico residents is in Houston, Texas.
- You should always check the Houston Spanish Consulate for the most up-to-date information on securing your study visa.
- As of November 28th, 2023, the Houston Consulate has outsourced study visa applications to BLS International Houston. Applications can either be submitted in person or by postal mail.
- The current student visa fee is 160 USD for US Nationals plus $58 in service fees ( 218 USD total)(subject to change: last updated February 2024).
- Students studying for an academic year should also consider the costs of ordering an FBI background check, State Department Apostille, and an official translation of these documents.
- You should have your passport before you apply to a study abroad program in Spain to ensure the timely processing of your visa. Passports need to be valid for at least a year.
- Be sure to read the Guide to the Spanish Study Visa that your advisor will send you upon acceptance.
Please note: visa information is subject to change. It is the responsibility of the individual to research and procure a visa. GEO strives to provide the most accurate information, but please review the consular website for the most up-to-date processes.
France
Quick Facts:
Please note: visa information is subject to change. It is the responsibility of the individual to research and procure a visa. GEO strives to provide the most accurate information, but please review the consular website for the most up-to-date processes.
Japan
Quick Facts:
- You will most likely need a student visa to study in Japan!
- The closest consulate for New Mexico residents is in Denver, Colorado.
- You should always check the Japanese Denver Consulate for the most up-to-date information on securing your study visa.
- To apply for a Japanese visa, you must first be accepted by your host institution and have a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
- Your host university will start the COE process. They may email or physically mail your required documentation to your study abroad advisor at UNM.
- Once you have your required documentation, you will need to make an in-person appointment at the Japanese Denver Consulate to apply for a visa.
- You should have your passport before you apply to a study abroad program in Japan to ensure the timely processing of your visa.
- Be sure to attend our Visa Workshop the semester before you go abroad to learn more about the process!
Please note: visa information is subject to change. It is the responsibility of the individual to research and procure a visa. GEO strives to provide the most accurate information, but please review the consular website for the most up-to-date processes.
Italy
Quick Facts:
- You will likely need a student visa to study in Italy for longer than 90 days!
- The closest consulate for New Mexico residents is in Los Angeles, California.
- You should always check the Italian Los Angeles Consulate for the most up-to-date information on securing your study visa.
- You must make an in-person appointment at the Italian Los Angeles Consulate or an Honorary Italian Consulate.
- An Honorary Consulate only facilitates visa submission. It is best practice to over-prepare and bring multiple forms and types of required documentation.
- Students planning to use the Honorary Consulate in New Mexico should reach out to schedule an appointment in advance. Appointment slots are often limited and not guaranteed.
- The current student visa fee is $53.70 USD (subject to change: last updated February 2024).
- You should have your passport before you apply to a study abroad program in Italy to ensure the timely processing of your visa.
- Be sure to attend our Visa Workshop the semester before you go abroad to learn more about the process!
Please note: visa information is subject to change. It is the responsibility of the individual to research and procure a visa. GEO strives to provide the most accurate information, but please review the consular website for the most up-to-date processes.
Australia
Quick Facts:
- You will most likely need a student visa to study in Australia!
- The closest consulate for New Mexico residents is in Los Angeles, California.
- You should always check the Australian Los Angeles Consulate for the most up-to-date information on securing your study visa.
- To apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500), you must first be accepted by your host institution and receive a copy of your Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE).
- You will need to purchase both UNM CISI Insurance as well as Australian-specific Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance in order to get your visa.
- Once you have your required documentation, you will need to apply for your student visa online through the Australian Consulate application portal.
- The current student visa fee is AUD $710 or just over $460 USD (subject to change: last updated February 2024).
- You should have your passport before you apply to a study abroad program in Australia to ensure the timely processing of your visa.
- Be sure to attend our Visa Workshop the semester before you go abroad to learn more about the process!
Please note: visa information is subject to change. It is the responsibility of the individual to research and procure a visa. GEO strives to provide the most accurate information, but please review the consular website for the most up-to-date processes.
United Kingdom
Quick Facts:
- You will likely need a student visa to study in the UK for longer than 6 months!
- The closest consulate for New Mexico residents is in Houston, Texas.
- You should always check the British Houston Consulate for the most up-to-date information on securing your study visa.
- Follow the steps outlined in the Consulate's "Check if you need a UK Visa" tool.
- The current short-term study visa fee is £ 200 (subject to change: last updated February 2024). There is an additional healthcare surcharge with an average cost of £776.00.
- You should have your passport before you apply to a study abroad program in the UK to ensure the timely processing of your visa.
- Be sure to attend our Visa Workshop the semester before you go abroad to learn more about the process!
Please note: visa information is subject to change. It is the responsibility of the individual to research and procure a visa. GEO strives to provide the most accurate information, but please review the consular website for the most up-to-date processes.
Other
Quick Facts:
- Just because your host country is not highlighted in a tab does not mean you do not need a visa!
- Keep an eye out for different types of visa terminologies including residence permit, study visa, student visa, standard visa, guest visa, visitor visa, etc.
- Be sure to identify the nearest consulate for New Mexico residents (or otherwise).
- You should always check the consulate for the most up-to-date information on securing your visa.
- If you are still unsure if you need a visa after doing your research, please reach out to your host institution.
- You will often receive instructions about the visa process after your acceptance by your host school.
- Research visa requirements and budget for any fees associated with obtaining your visa (including but not limited to visa fees, travel to the consulate, and fees needed to secure any documents).
- You should have your passport before you apply to a study abroad program to ensure the timely processing of your visa.
- Be sure to attend our Visa Workshop the semester before you go abroad to learn more about the process!
Please note: visa information is subject to change. It is the responsibility of the individual to research and procure a visa. GEO strives to provide the most accurate information, but please review the consular website for the most up-to-date processes.
